The Indiana Pacers did not just score a pivotal win to keep their postseason hopes alive on Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors. In doing so, the team actually made NBA history in their drubbing of the NBA’s lone Canadian team.
For the first time in NBA history, three Canadian-born players were in the starting unit for the same team, with Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard, and Oshae Brissett opening the game for the Pacers.
It was a very symbolic achievement for the three in particular as they were playing in Toronto. Brissett is from Toronto, while Nembhard is from Ontario and Mathurin from Quebec.
The Indiana Pacers made NBA history in win over the Toronto Raptors
In poetic fashion, Nembhard paced Indiana in the win with 25 markers and 10 assists to help the team overcome another injury-related absence from Tyrese Haliburton. Mathurin, in his second game back from an ankle injury, chipped in 15 very efficient points. Meanwhile, Brissett, in just his second start of the season, added to their winning cause with nine points and six boards.
This accolade is a testament to the Pacers’ deep cast of talented standouts from the Great North, but it should also come as a monumental achievement for the rapidly growing Canadian brand of basketball.
All three could also potentially suit up for their national team. Mathurin, in fact, has already shown strong interest in playing for Team Canada in the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
Canada has come a long way in producing NBA talents. Aside from the Pacers trio, the country has also produced the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and Luguentz Dort, just to name a few. The country has definitely been a consistent springboard for basketball hopefuls looking to make it into the NBA.
Hopefully, the Indiana Pacers can continue to enjoy solid production from their Canadian trio moving forward, especially this season as they attempt a final hurrah to make the postseason and snap a two-year drought.